120 240v Outlet
This article better describes why.
120 240v outlet. Standard wall outlets are ap. If your outlet is a 120 110v 240 220v or a straight 240v you can discover which without having to call in an electrician. Each of these outlets is a 240 volt outlet designed to supply more electrical power for your larger appliances through the 240 volt wiring and 240v single phase plug. Look at the outlet and see if it looks different than the other standard outlets in your home.
But as it turns out both the 120 volt and 240 volt alternatives can be beneficial depending on your needs and appliances. The neutral wire provides a way for the appliance to use just one of the hot wires for 120v appliances like a clock or fan. These are also quite different from the standard 120v outlets having more wires higher voltage and greater hazards and safety risks. Larger home appliances such as electric ranges dryers and some air conditioners use a 240 volt supply rather than the usual 120 volts.
Here is what we have to do to make this change in the circuit to convert it from 120v to a 240v supply. You may think that the safe route then is to simply go with 120 volt outlets throughout your home. Installing an outlet for these appliances is no more difficult than than installing a standard 120 volt wall outlet. Most everyday appliances only need enough electricity for a 120 volt outlet.
Residential 240v outlets usually have three or four connectors which provide two hot 120v wires and either a ground wire a neutral wire or both see figure 3. When 120 volt outlets are enough.